Tag Archives: Mike (N2HTT)

Many thanks to Mike (N2HTT) who recently reached out:

Hi Tom,

I recently treated myself to a Penntek TR-45L, and I think it’s the perfect field CW rig, except for one thing: the viewing angle sitting on a table is too vertical.

I made myself a tilt cradle that holds the rig at a 15 degree angle. It is form fitted to the rig, allows good clearance to all the controls front and rear, and raises it up off the table just a smidge.

Mike thanks/blames me for his purchase of the TR-45L and asked if I wanted one of his 3D-printed tilt cradles for my TR-45L. I just received it today at no cost to me–thanks, Mike!–and I really like the angle for using the TR-45L in my shack (and in the field, for sure).

Mike is selling these for $25 in his Etsy shop. Click here to check them out!

Here are some photos:

Thanks again, Mike, for sending one to me–I really appreciate it. Now I just need to convince you to purchase even more radios! 🙂

The TR-45L is a gem–you’ll love it!

Accessories, New Products, News

N2HTT’s Xiegu X5105 3D-Printed Frame

March 9, 2023 Thomas Witherspoon 1 Comment

Some of you might be familiar with Mike (N2HTT)’s Etsy Shop, HamGear3d.

Mike is a long-time QRPer reader/subscriber who designs 3D-printed radio frames for select QRP radios. In the past, Mike has designed frames for radios in his own collection including one for the LnR Precision LD-11, Xiegu X6100, Icom IC-705, and now the Xiegu X5105. Mike has also kindly sent me frames for many of these radios (knowing I also have them in my collection).

Mike has never asked to be plugged or promoted–in fact, the first frame he sent me was for my daughter’s radio–but I think his radio frames are functional and well-designed, so I’m happy to share info here on QRPer.com.

A couple months ago, Mike sent me a frame for the Xiegu X5105 and I realized yesterday that I never posted photos of it.

Like his X6100 frame, the X5105 frame fits around the radio; assembly is very simple (and well-documented on his website) and it doesn’t require modifying the radio in any way. It simply friction fits around the radio and is secured, thus can also be removed quite easily.

The frame, I’ve found, also protect the X5105 power button from accidentally being turned on in transit!

Below, I’ve posted a few photos of the Xiegu X5105 frame.

Thanks, again, Mike for sending me this radio frame. Very kind of you. Note that Mike can add your callsign to the front screen protector of the radio frame at no additional cost.

Click here for more details about Mike’s X5105 frame on his website and Etsy store.

Photos

Click here to check out the X5105 frame in Mike’s Etsy store.

Accessories, News, Reviews

Xiegu X6100: N2HTT’s 3D printed frame and side rails

June 17, 2022 Thomas Witherspoon 5 Comments

A few weeks ago, Mike (N2HTT), reached out and asked if I could test his prototype Xiegu X6100 3D-printed frame/cage. Mike is the same fellow who sent my daughter (K4TLI) side rails for her LnR Precision LD-11.

When his package arrived, I was very pleased to find out that the frame fits around the X6100 chassis. There’s no need to replace any of the X6100’s chassis screws; the side rails snap snuggly on the sides of the radio and when the components are screwed together, it holds them tightly.

The build quality is excellent and the PLA2 material feels very strong. The package came with all hardware (click here to download the PDF assembly manual). It might have taken me 10 minutes to assemble it.

I think it’s brilliant.

As with many rig frames, the side rails can make access to the encoder and knobs slightly more difficult. It doesn’t bother me, however especially since my X6100 encoder has a fair amount of brake by default (I mention this in my X6100 review).

The frame fully protects all sides of the radio and (especially) the protruding encoder and knobs which I believe are the most vulnerable parts of the radio.

I also love the flip-down screen protector which can serve as both a sun shade or as a tray to hold your phone in the field.

If you’re looking for a frame for your X6100, I believe this is a great option.

Mike is selling the complete frame kit for $65 US. He will customize the screen cover with your callsign and he has a number of color options available.

Photos:

Click here to check out the X6100 frame at N2HTT’s Etsy Shop.

News

LD-11 side rails via N2HTT

November 10, 2021 Thomas Witherspoon 2 Comments

A few weeks ago, Mike (N2HTT), reached out after seeing this field report and video featuring the LD-11 transceiver.

I mentioned to him that I gave the LD-11 to my daughter Geneva (K4TLI) as a prize for passing her General class exam in the spring.

Mike very kindly offered to send her a set of personalized 3D-printed side rails he designed for the LD-11 and SKY-SDR.

They were incredibly easy to install and the quality is excellent. They’re lightweight, yet incredibly sturdy. Her callsign is tastefully embedded on the left frame bracket.

Mike has an online shop at HamGear3D.com where I see he also sells a 3D-printed frame for the Icom IC-705.

I love plugging mom-and-pop ham radio stores, so please check out his site.

And, Mike, thanks again. Geneva absolutely loves them and knows this will keep the front panel and buttons protected in her pack and during our upcoming field activations this winter!

Thank you again!